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Work health

Occupational health is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to the prevention, identification, assessment and control of workplace hazards that can harm the health and well-being of workers. Among the critical components of occupational health is ergonomics, which focuses on optimizing the work environment, tools and tasks to match people’s capabilities and limitations. As technology and work patterns continue to evolve, active workstations – such as treadmill desks, standing and sitting desks and pedal machines – are emerging as innovative tools to promote worker health and reduce the risks associated with sedentary behaviour. This article examines the basics of occupational health, delves into the principles and applications of ergonomics, explores methods for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), and discusses the growing interest in active workstations as a proactive way to improve worker health and productivity.

Occupational health encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including medicine, psychology, epidemiology, engineering and environmental sciences. Its main objectives are:

  • Workplace hazard identification and assessment: This includes chemical conditions, physical factors (e.g. noise, vibration), ergonomics-related stressors and psychosocial factors.
  • Implementation of preventive measures and controls: Such measures include engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE), training, administrative policies, and health promotion programs.
  • Promoting a safety and health culture: By promoting open communication, involving employees in safety decision-making, and developing a proactive approach to health and well-being.

Internationally, institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and country-specific agencies such as the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the United Kingdom Health and Safety Enforcement Authority (HSE) develop standards, guidelines, and legislation to improve occupational health and prevent work-related injuries and illnesses (ILO, 2019; OSHA, 2023; WHO, 2021).

The Importance of Ergonomics in the Work Environment

Ergonomics – derived from the Greek words “ergon” (work) and “nomos” (law) – is a scientific discipline concerned with understanding the interaction between humans and other elements of a system (International Ergonomics Association, 2023). The field applies theories, principles, data, and design methods to optimize human well-being and the overall performance of a system.

The main goals of ergonomics are:

  • Reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders: Improperly designed work stands, repetitive motions, and static positions contribute significantly to WMSDs, including back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neck strain (NIOSH, 2022).
  • Increasing productivity and efficiency: Properly designed tasks and tools improve comfort, reduce fatigue, and maintain employee engagement, ultimately increasing costs and quality.
  • Improving job satisfaction and morale: Employees who feel physically comfortable and safe at work report higher job satisfaction and lower employee turnover rates.

Basic Principles of Ergonomics:

  • Neutral Position: By encouraging positions where the spine, neck, wrists and limbs maintain natural alignment, tension in joints and soft tissues is minimized.
  • Working in the Power/Comfort Zone: Tasks performed close to the body, at elbow height, reduce strain and the risk of repetitive stress injuries.
  • Reducing Excess Force and Repetition: Adjusting tools and workflows to reduce the amount of force and repetitive motions can reduce the incidence of injuries.
  • Workbench Adjustment: Chairs, tables, monitors, and other equipment should be easily adjustable to accommodate a variety of body sizes and shapes.
  • Frequent Breaks and Micro-Pauses: Short rest periods and stretching exercises help prevent fatigue and relieve tension from prolonged static holding.

Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders through Ergonomics

Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common and costly occupational health problems, leading to lost productivity, absenteeism, and increased healthcare costs (BLS, 2021). By integrating ergonomic principles into workplace design and process planning, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of injuries.

Effective Ergonomic Interventions:

  • Redesigning work stands: Implementing height-adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs with back support, monitor mounts that allow for proper viewing angles, and keyboard mounts that allow for neutral wrist positions.
  • Tool and Equipment Modifications: Choosing tools with ergonomic handles, vibration-damping technology, and a balanced weight distribution system can reduce strain, especially on assembly lines or construction tasks.
  • Proper Lighting and Noise Control: Adequate lighting reduces eye strain and improves concentration, while measures to limit noise exposure protect hearing and reduce stress.
  • Training and Education: Ongoing training ensures that employees understand ergonomic principles, learn proper lifting techniques, and can recognize early signs of discomfort or injury.
  • Administrative Control Measures: Job rotation, task variation, and break scheduling promote recovery and reduce the long-term effects of repetitive or odd tasks.

As these interventions become established, research and data have shown a reduction in WMSDs and improved overall worker health (Punnett & Wegman, 2004).

Traces of Active Work Benches

The modern workplace, especially in office environments, is witnessing an increase in sedentary behavior. Prolonged sitting is associated with a number of negative health outcomes, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers (Biswas et al., 2015). Recognizing these risks, organizations and individual employees are increasingly looking to active work stands as a way to integrate physical activity into daily tasks.

Types of Active Workbenches:

  • Treadmill Stands: A combination of a standing desk and a slow-moving treadmill that allows employees to walk at a slow pace (typically 1-2 mph) while working.
  • Bicycle or Pedal Stands: Stationary cycling is integrated into the desk setup, allowing users to pedal while typing or attending meetings.
  • Standing and Sitting Tables: Desks that are easily adjustable from a sitting to a standing position promote posture and reduce static strain on the musculoskeletal system.
  • Balance Boards and Anti-Fatigue Mats: While standing, employees can engage their core and leg muscles by using balance boards or by standing on supportive, soft mats.

Advantages of Active Workbenches:

  • Reducing Sitting Time:
    • Active work stands provide short breaks from prolonged periods of sitting, helping workers accumulate more light-intensity physical activity throughout the day. Regular movement has been associated with improved cardiovascular health, better blood sugar control, and lower body mass index (Thorp et al., 2011).
  • Improved Metabolic Measurements:
    • Research suggests that low-intensity activities, such as walking on a treadmill bench, can increase energy expenditure and potentially counteract some of the negative metabolic effects of sedentary behavior (Levine & Miller, 2007).
  • Improved Mental Well-Being and Productivity:
    • Movement is associated with improved mood, reduced stress, and increased cognitive function. Although some initial adaptation periods may be required, users often report improved alertness and concentration after active work stand practices (Ojo et al., 2019).
  • Prevention of Musculoskeletal Problems:
    • Changing positions can relieve pressure on the spine, improve blood flow, and reduce discomfort associated with static sitting. Regularly changing work positions helps maintain musculoskeletal health and may reduce the incidence of WMSDs (Callaghan & McGill, 2001).

Active Workbench Considerations and Challenges

While active work stands offer potential benefits, they are not without challenges and considerations:

  • Learning Curve and Comfort: Some workers may initially find it difficult to type or concentrate while walking or pedaling. Slow adaptation and speed adjustment are necessary.
  • Equipment Cost and Space Requirements: Active work stands typically require a higher initial investment and more floor space than traditional desks. Organizations need to weigh these costs against the potential long-term health benefits and reduced employee downtime.
  • Company Culture and Acceptance: The widespread adoption of active work stands is often driven by supportive management, effective communication about their benefits, and the freedom for employees to choose the type of work stand they prefer.
  • Individual Needs and Ergonomic Adaptation: Even in active workstations, ergonomic principles apply. Proper positioning of the monitor, keyboard, and mouse remains important, and each user should have the flexibility to personalize their settings.

Future Directions and Research

The relationship between sedentary behavior and chronic disease risk highlights the importance of continued research and innovation in the fields of occupational health and ergonomics. Possible future directions include:

  • Wearable Technology and Smart Furniture: Integrating sensors into chairs, tables, and portable devices can provide real-time feedback on posture, movement patterns, and ergonomic risks.
  • Virtual and Augmented Reality Training: Simulation-based ergonomics training can allow employees to visualize proper positions and movements in various situations.
  • Personalized Ergonomic Interventions: By using artificial intelligence to analyze individual biomechanics, habits, and preferences, customized workstation configurations can be created to maximize comfort and productivity.
  • Long-Term Health Outcomes Studies: More extensive research is needed to confirm the long-term health and productivity benefits of active workstand users and to improve best practice standards.

Occupational health and ergonomics are key elements in ensuring a safe, productive and healthy work environment. By applying ergonomic principles – such as promoting a neutral posture, adjusting tools and work stands and reducing repetitive strain – organisations can significantly reduce the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The introduction of active work stands represents an innovative response to the sedentary nature of modern office work, providing workers with opportunities to integrate light-intensity movement into their daily routines. While challenges remain, particularly related to cost, space and user acceptance, the growing body of evidence from countries on these interventions points to a future in which occupational health strategies are dynamic, personalised and integrated into the very fabric of working life.

Links

  • Biswas, A., et al. (2015). Sedentary Time and Its Association With Risk for Disease Incidence, Mortality, and Hospitalization in Adults. Annals of Internal Medicine, 162(2), 123-132. doi:10.7326/M14-1651
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (2021). Nonfatal Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Requiring Days Away From Work, 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/
  • Callaghan, JP, & McGill, SM (2001). Low back joint loading and kinematics during standing and unsupported sitting in whole body vibration. Ergonomics, 44(8), 781–797. doi:10.1080/00140130110039110
  • International Ergonomics Association (IEA). (2023). Definition and Domains of Ergonomics. Retrieved from: https://iea.cc/
  • International Labor Organization (ILO). (2019). Safety and health at work. Retrieved from: https://www.ilo.org/
  • Levine, JA, & Miller, JM (2007). The energy expenditure of using a "walk-and-work" desk for office workers with obesity. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 41(9), 558–561. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2006.032755
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (2022). Musculoskeletal Health Program. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/programs/msd/
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2023). About OSHA. Retrieved from: https://www.osha.gov/aboutosha
  • Ojo, S.O., et al. (2019). Breaking occupational sitting time with standing or light-intensity physical activity: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Occupational Health, 61(3), 181-193. doi:10.1002/1348-9585.12039
  • Punnett, L., & Wegman, DH (2004). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders: The epidemiologic evidence and the debate. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 14(1), 13–23. doi:10.1016/j.jelekin.2003.09.015
  • Thorp, A. A., et al. (2011). Sedentary Behaviors and Subsequent Health Outcomes in Adults: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies, 1996–2011. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 41(2), 207–215. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2011.05.004
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Occupational health: health workers. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/

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